Samsung has proudly announced that its continued investment in South Africa coupled with its dedication to remain an active contributor to the future of the local economy and strong supporter of economic transformation – has contributed to the company’s Level-1 B-BBEE status for five consecutive years.

The company has achieved this incredible recognition by embarking on many empowerment, entrepreneurial and skills-based projects in the ICT sector in which it operates in. Samsung is augmenting its national transformation policies through Employment Equity, Enterprise Development and investment in education. In particular, the company is building on its landmark multi-millionaire Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which is already celebrating over three years of sustained success.

Launched in May 2019, Samsung’s EEIP programme is expected to have a measurable impact on job creation with a projected contribution of over a billion rands to the South African economy at large. Samsung’s 10-year plan aims to address key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan and the overall transformation of the local economy.

The company’s EEIP programme has seen an investment in black, female-owned entities who now operate in the full value chain of e-Waste. Samsung also has a strong focus on enterprise development and capacity building in ICT through scarce skills development.

When Samsung entered South Africa at the dawn of democracy; it placed a great focus on harnessing the power of technology and innovation to effect great positive change in the country. Since then, Samsung has made incredible strides forward in its long-term vision for the country. Samsung is also developing 4IR skills in partnership with a number of institutions of higher learning in South Africa.

The company has launched many skills development initiatives, which are not only created for developing internal employees, but also supporting university students studying in fields within Samsung’s ecosystem and value chain. With wide-ranging support of the country’s youth through bursaries, learnerships and the Samsung Engineering Academy programme, South African youth are gaining artisanal and electronics skills. Samsung is looking forward to a future defined by equality and empowerment for all through these initiatives that have and continue to make an impact across the country and are aimed at developing the youth’s skills-for-employability.

The Solve For Tomorrow competition is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) aligned educational programmes that encourages learners in grade 10 and 11 from underserved communities an opportunity to gain invaluable skills while solving some of the challenges within their communities. Recently launched, this competition is being piloted in 51 schools across the country. Learners are encouraged to use STEM in finding solutions to some of the most pressing societal challenges that are faced by their communities.

Additionally, the Samsung Innovation Campus programme partners with universities of technology to develop and teach coding, software development, internet of things (IOT) and artificial intelligence (AI) skills to youth from under-serviced communities.

Hlubi Shivanda – Director of Business Operations and Innovation and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa said: “This incredible achievement of the Level 1–B-BBEE Rating for five consecutive years is a re-affirmation of Samsung’s commitment to prioritising B-BBEE as a non-negotiable practice within our businesses. The overarching goal of the country’s B-BBEE programme is the upliftment of the South African economy. As Samsung, we have over the years focused on policies that are designed to empower South Africans in meaningful ways. Our vision for the country is therefore closely aligned with the Government’s B-BBEE policy.”

Samsung’s transformation efforts are a clear indication of the company’s tremendous contribution to the achievement of the country’s overall B-BBEE goals and objectives. The key focus areas of Samsung’s overall B-BBEE philosophy and strategy (excluding the Ownership element, which is subject to EEIP) are centred on the following:

• The annual progression of race and gender representation at each occupational level, with specific emphasis on African Male and African Female representation.
• Increased focus on both employed learners and unemployed learners, supported by an emphasis on creating work experiences post the learnership/internship period – this is over and above Samsung’s EEIP commitments;
• Provision of education support through bursaries, both internally and externally.
• Continued focus on development of black talent in the Samsung South Africa business.
• Re-directing existing spend to qualifying Black-Owned and Black-Women Owned (BWO) Qualifying Small Enterprises (“QSEs”) and Exempt Micro Enterprises (“EMEs”) to include them in the existing procurement value chain of Samsung South Africa with a focus on the following areas that have been approved – Marketing, Services, Sales, Logistics and Recruitment.
• Provision of grant and preferential loan funding to qualifying Enterprise Development beneficiaries, with the possibility of graduating them to become suppliers to Samsung South Africa.
• In addition to increasing spend with identified Supplier Development beneficiaries, the qualifying entities may be provided with grant and preferential loan funding; and
• Education-focused Socio-Economic Development initiatives through the Samsung Innovation Campus and Solve For Tomorrow competition umbrella as furtherance of the Samsung South Africa’s commitment to the upliftment of underserved communities.

“Samsung knows that it is no small responsibility to realise the country’s long-term goals as this requires collective effort from citizens, corporate organisations and government. At Samsung, we believe that transformation is a business imperative and a requirement for the sustainability of our business. However, we are also convinced that concerted transformation efforts can have incredible socio-economic impact and lasting change in the country’s economy,” added Shivanda.

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 16 August 2022 – When Samsung entered South Africa at the dawn of democracy; it placed a great focus on harnessing the power of technology and innovation to effect great positive change in the country. Inspired by the transformative power of economic investment that took South Korea from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the most successful economies, Samsung South Africa has made incredible strides forward in its long-term vision for the country. This is  reflected in the company’s continued investment in the country coupled with its Level 1 – BBBEE Rating, which is aligned with Samsung’s dedication to remain an active contributor to the future of the South African economy and strong supporter of economic transformation.

With this long-term vision in mind, Samsung’s Global CEO, Jong-Hee Han, was in South Africa at the end of last week to access the company’s South Africa and Africa business operations. Although this was Mr. Han’s fifth visit to the country, it was the first one since he became Samsung’s global CEO. During Mr. Han’s visit, he also met  with  the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Ebrahim Patel as well as the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Dr Naledi Pandor to discuss Samsung’s long-standing partnership and collaboration with the South African government as well as possible future opportunities for growth and further investment.

The company has embarked on many empowerment, entrepreneurial and skills-based projects in the ICT sector in which it operates in. Samsung’s aim is to build on the landmark multimillionaire Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), which is already celebrating over three years of sustained success. Launched in May 2019 in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and sector support from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), the programme is expected to have a measurable impact on job creation with a projected contribution of over a billion rands to the South African economy at large. Samsung’s 10-year plan aims to address key developmental aspects linked to the National Development Plan and the overall transformation of the economy.

Samsung’s EEIP programme is aligned to the DTIC’s Black Industrialisation programme through e-Waste recycling & beneficiation, which has seen an investment in two black, female-owned entities who now operate in the full value chain of e-Waste. It also has a strong focus on enterprise development and capacity building in ICT through scarce skills development. In addition, Samsung is developing 4IR skills in partnership with a number of institutions of higher learning in South Africa.

South African youth are gaining artisanal and electronics skills through the Samsung Engineering Academy programme as well as coding, software development, IOT and artificial intelligence skills through the Samsung Innovation Campus programme. Additionally, learners in grades 10 & 11 will be encouraged to solve social issues in their communities though Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, which is being piloted in 51 schools across the country.

Mr. Han also discussed South Korea’s Busan World Expo 2030 bid  with both Ministers with the view of getting support locally for the bid. Importantly, World Expo’s are focused on creating a better future for all humankind and therefore fit perfectly into Samsung’s vision for the upliftment of humanity through technology and innovation. Samsung believes the World Expo being hosted in Busan during the 2030 edition would be the perfect platform to share its technological advancements and how it views technology as the main catalyst for an eco-friendly and green future in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Ultimately, as part of a global community, these ongoing collaborations are designed to make a difference to all people.

As South Africa continues to move towards greater economic and social inclusion, Samsung South Africa remains firm in its long-term commitment to do the same. This is why Samsung is pleased to announce that it has achieved a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)

Level 1 Contribution Status for the fourth year in the row.

“Over the years Samsung has prioritised B-BBEE as a non-negotiable practice, because we have seen the

incredible socio-economic impact of implementing it for lasting change. We know it’s no small responsibility to

realize the long-term goals as it requires a collective effort from citizens, corporate organisations and Government.

This is why our vision is aligned with the Government’s B-BBEE policy, and why Samsung is focused on all policies

designed to empower South Africans in meaningful ways,” said Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation

Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

Samsung is building on national transformation policies through Employment Equity, Enterprise Development and investment in education. The company has launched many skills development initiatives, which are not only created for developing internal staff, but also supporting university students studying in fields within Samsung’s ecosystem and value chain. With wide-ranging support of the country’s youth through bursaries, learnerships and STEM-aligned educational programmes, Samsung is looking forward to a future defined by equality and empowerment for all.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 04 May 2021 – As part of Samsung’s R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), under the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment that was launched in March 2019, Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) embarked on an initiative to provide opportunities for Black Industrialists (BI’s) in the Recycling sector. Through this initiative Samsung has become an integral partner in the creation and support of black-owned businesses that can manage and impact Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE).

After stringent evaluation, due diligence and presentations to the steering committee, that included representation from the dtic, The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Samsung South Africa, two black women owned businesses – Ilanga E-Waste Management and Matongoni General Trading were selected to participate in the programme.

“We applaud Samsung for this important milestone on their EEIP journey. B-BBEE in South Africa should be supported, promoted and implemented, in particular by big corporates like Samsung. The South African Constitution laid the foundation for a creation of a coherent and inclusive economy. This will only be possible if the SouthAfrican economy builds on the full potential of all persons and communities across the length and breadth of our country.  B-BBEE policy is at the centre of government’s strategy to create such an inclusive economy. This initiative by Samsung is a great example of the policy in action”, said Jacob Maphutha, Chief Director: B-BBEE Policy at the dtic

The programme is structured in two phases. The first phase supports the establishment and growth of Black Industrialists in the e-waste value chains who specialise in collection, dismantling and pre-processing. The second phase aims to partner with industry specialists to develop and introduce beneficiation technology to the BI’s.

“Samsung’s investment in our company has been a complete game-changer for the team. It plays a major role in our business’s capability to meet our long-term fiscal objectives and remain aligned to our vision of a more sustainable future for the country,” said Maria Rakgalakane, Managing Director of Ilanga E-Waste Management.

Ultimately, the investment over the next three years will provide the BI’s with much-needed funding to capitalise the business for plant, equipment and operational expenditure.

“Samsung is focused on the growth of entrepreneurship in South Africa, our investment in the development of e-waste programmes amongst others, is testament to this. The selection of e-waste companies and the support provided plays a pivotal role in affirming Samsung’s commitment to not only growing South Africa’s e-waste economy but also preserving the nation’s natural resources. It is an essential part of Samsung’s mission to put the environment first in all business operations, with several long-term sustainability programmes that include sustainable packaging design and the reduction of carbon footprints through the use of recycled materials. Critically, the positive impact on the environment will result in lasting change that benefits all South Africans,” says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa

“As Samsung, we’re committed to building on our long-ranging transformational vision. This is already reflected internally as our people are representative of the country’s demographics, race and gender. Ultimately, we are completely focused on creating real empowerment through ownership and control of South Africa’s economy, and remain aligned with the Government’s transformation imperatives. We will continue to build on own vision to empower South Africans by harnessing the power of technology to effect lasting change, “Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa, .

In 2019 Samsung launched a R280 Million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme, aimed at stimulating job creation. It is estimated that it will contribute nearly R1 Billion to the South African economy at large. This investment is supplemented by initiatives focused on the upskilling of the South African youth with initiatives like, Samsung Engineering Academy, technology-based facilities in schools and universities, as well as student bursary programmes. Samsung has become an integral partner in the creation and support of black-owned businesses in the e-waste sector – that can manage Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment.  Additionally, Samsung appointed two black-women owned businesses to become part of the black industrialist program through the EEIP programme. These e-Waste businesses, which were given both funding and business support  are now part of a sector that can make a real difference in society.

Rising to the challenge of meeting B-BBEE goals in 2020

Importantly, in a year when many South Africans experienced devastating job losses, the Samsung leanership and skills development initiatives provided much needed jobs for unemployed youth and people living with disabilities. The company also finds great purpose in contributing meaningfully to sustainable transformation across the Samsung value chain. This is demonstrated by Samsung’s enduring  commitment to the objectives of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, in its ongoing objective to reddress the inequalities of the past.

The year 2020 brought unexpected challenges, which  forced many businesses to cut spending. Samsung however did not change their targets and commitment to transformation. In 2020, the business improved their employment equity score by attracting and retaining employees who reflect the demographics of South Africa and was named Top Employer for the sixth consecutive year. In this time Samsung provided much needed relief fo SMMEs by not recalling unsecured loans provided to emerging businesses. Small businesses in the supply chain were still paid on shorter payment terms to help sustain their businesses. This is evidenced by the growth in the spending towards SMMEs – black owned and black-women owned.

Samsung’s transformation agenda continued unabated. Its enterprise development programme helped the beneficiaries of the programme adapt their businesses to cope with the pandemic and invest in the communites in which they operate. This was achieved by supporting Innovation Hubs in disadvantaged communities, and by providing students in the various skills development initiatives with Galaxy tablets to enable them to continue learning remotely.

Ultimately, Samsung’s objectives remains firm –  to pursue opportunities for people to become actively engaged in the broader economy, and in doing so, uplift marginalised communities throughout the country.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 27 May, 2020 – Samsung South Africa has taken another significant step forward to build on its transformational vision. It has been announced that the company has secured a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Level 1 Contribution Status for the second consecutive year. This certification is aligned with Samsung’s belief that companies must play an active role in empowering people across all industry sectors. This is why over time Samsung has invested in major social and enterprise development initiatives on a grass-roots level that allows the brand to be actively involved in the community as well as support local entrepreneurial talent.

“The certification demonstrates our dedication not only to operational excellence but to remain an active and enthusiastic contributor to the future of the South African economy. Samsung is dedicated to harnessing the power of technology to effect positive change. Our team is firmly committed to ensuring long-term sustainability and remaining aligned with the Government’s transformation imperatives, “says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

Samsung has wholeheartedly embraced the fundamentals of BBB-EE, which is why the company finds great purpose in contributing meaningfully to sustainable transformation across the Samsung value chain. This is demonstrated by Samsung’s enduring commitment to the objectives of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, in its ongoing objective to address the inequalities of the past.

Samsung is driven by a focus on the participation of black people in the management, ownership and control of South Africa’s economy. In 2019 Samsung launched a R280 Million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme, aimed at stimulating job creation. It is estimated that it will contribute nearly R1 Billion to the South African economy at large. This investment is supplemented by initiatives focussed on the upskilling of youth such as in the Samsung Engineering Academy, technology-based facilities in schools and universities, as well as student bursaries. Ultimately, the aim is to pursue opportunities for people to become actively engaged in the economy. This will have an impact on families, communities and ultimately the entire nation.

“We will continue to work directly with Government through education programmes, bursaries and entrepreneurial initiatives. Additionally, everything from the empowerment of our staff, Samsung Engineering Academies and Enterprise Development programmes will continue to actively reflect our unwavering commitment to the prosperity of the country and its people,” concludes Shivanda.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 07 November 2019 – Samsung South Africa is running a search for 2 (two) established black industrials in the e-waste sector, which require financial and business support, to take their business to the next level. The initiative is part of Samsung’s R280-million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP). EEIP is a Department of Trade and Industry (dti) initiative where multinational companies are invited to participate and contribute positively towards B-BBEE in South Africa. This programme is strongly aligned with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030, which is the elimination of poverty through job creation and entrepreneurship.

“Samsung is focussed on two very important missions – the growth of entrepreneurship in the country and the development of e-waste programmes. This e-waste project achieves both objectives and affirms our commitment to growing South Africa and preserving the nation’s natural resources,” says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

Supporting the Government’s Black Industrialist Programme

Samsung, in collaboration with the dti, aims to provide opportunities for Black Industrialists in the Recycling sector, to participate in the e-waste Black Industrialist program as one of the projects under EEIP. Samsung will be an integral partner in the creation of the only black-owned and operated e-waste beneficiation plants in Africa that can separate Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE). The objective is to develop and support the establishment of the e-waste Black Industrialists, who will be operating in the full value chain of e-waste management that include collection, dismantling, pre-processing and beneficiation of e-waste materials.

Comprehensive Business Support

Business support includes grant funding for operational growth, mechanisation, skills development program (quality control, safety and business development) and the introduction of beneficiation plant technology. This Black Industrialist programme targets black Industrialists, including women. Ultimately through industrialisation, the aim is to create employment, boost innovation and grow the economy.

Providing Access to Experts

Samsung has partnered with a black-owned incubator that will market, recruit and select the Industrialists for this programme. In addition, the incubator will support the selected enterprises for the duration of the programme.

Terms and Conditions apply

“As a company proudly rooted in our South African heritage, we embrace transformation. We are committed to contributing meaningfully to sustainable transformation as we accelerate this journey across the Samsung value chain, “says Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Innovation Group and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa.

In 2003 the South African government introduced the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act in an attempt to address the inequalities suffered by black South African citizens as a result of the unjust apartheid regime. Samsung is aligned with the aim, which is to increase the meaningful participation of black people in the management, ownership and control of South Africa’s economy.

Furthermore, Samsung is intent on enhancing the socio-economic development of black South Africans, as defined by the B-BBEE act, through employment at Samsung but also in the economy at large. This is reflected in projects such as the recent announcement of its R280 Million Equity Equivalent Investment Programme. This is projected to have a measurable impact on job creation and a contribution of nearly R1 Billion to the South African economy at large. Ultimately, Samsung will continue to pursue opportunities where people can become meaningfully engaged in the economy and in doing so, have a positive impact on their families, communities and therein, the entire nation.

“We are delighted with this achievement! The certification demonstrates our commitment not only to operational excellence, but to remain an active and enthusiastic contributor to the future of the South African economy,” says, Hlubi. He concludes, “we were able to invest in social and enterprise development initiatives on the grass-roots level that allow us to be actively involved in the community as well as support local entrepreneurial talent.”